Play is Learning Campaign
To Make Play and Continuous Provision statutory in England's Key Stage 1 Curriculum
Why this petition matters now
Across England, children as young as five are moving from play-based early education into a formal Key Stage 1 system that no longer meets their developmental needs. Evidence from over fifty years of research and international consensus from the UN, UNICEF, and UNESCO confirms that play is not a luxury but a critical foundation for learning, wellbeing, and equity. Yet England remains the only UK nation where play-based pedagogy is not statutory beyond the Early Years. Our petition calls for urgent reform to bridge this gap, protect children’s wellbeing, and create an education system that truly helps every child to thrive.
Evidence of the issue
Play isn’t an enrichment, a luxury or a ‘nice to have’— it’s how children’s brains learn.
Fact: The UN recognises play as a legal right under Article 31 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Evidence: UNICEF and UNESCO confirm play-based learning remains critical up to at least age 8, exactly the KS1 years.
Why it matters: England is the only UK nation where play-based learning is not statutory in early primary.
In summary: When play stops, learning suffers... and England’s the outlier.
The system without play based learning is failing 4 in 10 children.
Fact: Only 62% of pupils meet the expected standard in KS2 reading, writing, and maths - meaning nearly 40% are not.
Evidence: Decades of research show play-based learning boosts outcomes in these areas and reduces anxiety.
Why it matters: Despite evidence, children face earlier testing, reduced breaks, and less time to explore.
In summary: If 40% aren’t thriving, it’s not the children failing the system, it’s the system failing the children.
Play protects children’s mental health... and we’re taking it away.
Fact: 15.2% of 7 to 10 year-olds now have a probable mental health condition (NHS, 2022).
Evidence: Play acts as a protective factor against stress, building resilience and emotional strength (Hewes, 2014).
Reality: Over 25 years, schools have cut playtime. Shorter lunchtimes, fewer breaks, and more pressure. And, play-based learning has been removed from most classrooms.
In summary: We’re removing the very thing proven to keep children healthy, happy, and ready to learn.
We are asking Parliament to
- Amend statutory guidance so that play and continuous provision are embedded within the Key Stage 1 curriculum.
- Recognise play as a developmental need, not an enrichment activity.
- Commit to reforming KS1 so that learning through play is protected in every primary school across England.
What does research say?
We have a Research Case for Play-based
Learning in Key Stage 1 which has been
created for Educators & Parents, which is available for you to download which offers a lot more scientific evidence and research which strengthens our fight to get learning through play asa part of our KS1 curriculum
Further resources
YouTube Channel - Listen to the campaign podcasts
MP Letter Template - Blog
Key Language to Use When Talking or Writing About the Aim of the Petition - Blog
How did the Campaign Start... - Blog
Press & Media
Ruth had a powerful discussion with The Guardian newspaper
Do we really expect five-year-olds to sit at desks? I want a school that understands play is learning
Journalist: Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett
Ruth had a great discussion with Matthew Wright on LBC on Saturday 8th November 2025:
The best thing about it, Matthew drew comparison with having his own little one and said that he “completely agreed” and “found it troubling that the government doesn’t seem to be listening to the evidence or looking at the global picture.”
Events
Work with Ruth
If you’d like to work with Ruth, click below to get in touch today. We can then have a friendly chat about your needs and work in collaboration to see how I can support and enhance your training, event or company. Bespoke packages are available.